Nike Kobe 5 Protro 'Year of the Mamba' Eggplant Metallic Gold IB4481-500

Nike Kobe 5 Protro 'Year of the Mamba' — Eggplant / Metallic Gold / Black (IB4481-500)

One of the most visually stunning Kobe releases ever produced, the Nike Kobe 5 Protro 'Year of the Mamba' celebrates the Lunar New Year with a design that fuses Kobe Bryant's Black Mamba identity with Chinese cultural iconography. The iridescent eggplant upper shimmers with a deep purple-to-black pearlescent sheen, while a large metallic gold snake — the Black Mamba — coils dramatically across the lateral side. A true collector's grail.

Key Features

Colorway: Eggplant / Metallic Gold / Black
Style Code / SKU: IB4481-500
Silhouette: Kobe 5 Protro (Prototype — modernized original)
Upper: Iridescent eggplant leather with deep purple-to-black pearlescent sheen and reptilian texture detailing
Signature Detail: Large metallic gold snake (Black Mamba) wrapping the lateral side — the defining design element
Swoosh: Black Nike Swoosh on the lateral side
Laces: Black laces
Midsole: Black cushioned midsole with Zoom Air unit
Outsole: Icy blue translucent rubber outsole — a premium collector detail
Special Packaging: Presented in a special red dust bag and commemorative box
Sizes Available: US 4 – US 13 (including half sizes)

The Story Behind the Shoe

The 'Year of the Mamba' is part of Nike's annual Lunar New Year collection, celebrating the Chinese zodiac through the lens of Kobe's most iconic alter ego. The Black Mamba — the nickname Kobe gave himself to separate his on-court killer instinct from his off-court self — is rendered here as a coiling golden serpent, a symbol of power, wisdom, and transformation in Chinese culture. Kobe's jersey numbers (#8 and #24) are embedded in the design details, making this one of the most personal and culturally layered Kobe releases ever made.

Performance & Technology

Zoom Air: Responsive, low-profile cushioning tuned for quick cuts and explosive play
Low-Cut Silhouette: Kobe 5 Protro's signature low-cut design for maximum court feel and agility
Herringbone Outsole: Multi-directional traction pattern beneath the icy translucent rubber
Protro Construction: Original Kobe 5 silhouette updated with modern materials and fit

Product Details

Brand: Nike
Athlete: Kobe Bryant
Theme: Lunar New Year / Year of the Mamba
Release Type: Limited Edition Protro
Gender: Men's
Care: Wipe clean with a damp cloth; avoid machine washing; store away from direct sunlight to preserve the iridescent finish